Saving God

1. Who: Ardon Bess Occupation: Actor

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Founding member

3. Where have you been?
"Dakinkinmyhair"

4. When will we see you next?
"Saving God"

5. Why art?
What else?

6. How’s the city treating you?
Great

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…”
2009 will be a year of changes.

8. What is your favourite “O” word?
Obama

9. The best?
Life

10. The worst?
Self-aggrandizement

Vicerra

1. Who: Vanessa Lee Wishart Occupation: Costume/Fashion Designer

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Former Costume Design Apprentice

3. Where have you been?
I have been working on my clothing line, Vicerra.

4. When will we see you next?
I have a few shows lined up for the summer.

5. Why art?
Art is my form of expression.

6. How’s the city treating you?
Toronto is supportive and inspirational.

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…”
2009 will be a year full of changes and achievements.

8. Your favourite ‘O’ word?
Ohm

9. The best?
The best for me is doing what you want, when you want it.

10. The worst?
The worst for me is to be without the freedom of choice

Paid to Play

1. Who: Sabryn Rock Occupation: Theatre Practitioner

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Philip Akin, Jordi Mand and I go way back

3. Where have you been?
With Obsidian: Late/ Mussorgsky Project 1 Others: Dead Ahead at LKTYP, Romeo & Juliet with Driftwood, things in Saskatchewan you probably didn't see.

4. When will we see you next? Not in Toronto! Little Shop of Horrors at Persephone in Saskatoon.

5. Why art?
I get paid to play. Why wouldn't I art?

6. How's the city treating you?
Toronto has been kind to me. Although with my friendly prairie roots, I am baffled why no one looks each other in the eye on the streets and God forbid sharing a smile with a stranger....lighten up, Toronto!

7. Complete the sentence: "2009 will be…"
2009 will be one of the sassiest years of my life because I get to be a Doo-Wop girl in one of my favourite musicals!

8. What is your favourite "O" word?
Ovaltine!

9. The best?
'The knee squeeze' or 'side jab' to your neighbour sitting next to you in the audience. This only happens when something deliciously awful or awkward happens on stage.

10. The worst?
When I can't stop laughing at something that isn't supposed to be comical...again as an audience member. Wow, I'm terrible for the latter two.

Hustle and Bustle

1. Who: Rachel-Lea Rickards Occupation: Playwright-Actor-Producer-Musical Theatre Nerd

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
I was honoured to be selected to be a part of Obsidians Playwright unit.

3. Where have you been?
The past couple of years, I have spent a lot of time zoning in on what feeds me the most. While spending many years on stage as an actor, I recognize the exhilaration I feel to write stories for others to tell. Most recently, I just completed writing for second season of da Kink in my Hair for Global Television. Since working with the Playwrights Unit and developing a 20 minute piece called "Bridge Over Joan", I have been working with a musical director to create 13 songs for the production. My plan is to mount Bridge Over Joan in early 2010.

4. When will we see you next?
Look for me in different spaces. I feel a strong pull to move into co-directing and self producing my first musical. I am also currently launching the "Broadway Bound March Break Program for children 8-13 years of age that runs from March 16-20. I think I always knew I wanted to be involved in theatre, from my earliest childhood memories. I wanted and needed mentors. I want to create space for children who need that outlet. My plan is to move The Broadway Bound program into a full school in summer of 09.

5. Why art?
Because it keeps me alive and gives me purpose. Because I couldn't stop doing it even if I wanted to. Art and performing is my addiction and I'm not looking for a way to clean up this act!

6. How’s the city treating you?
I recently moved into the city. Moving from Brampton to the heart of downtown sometimes makes me feel like a little church mouse in big city. Traded in my car for a bus pass and I still carry around the subway map with me wherever I go. But, I wake up to the sound of street cars, and hustle and bustle, and there's something exciting in the air that calls me to create.

7. Complete the sentence:
2009 is the year to walk through fear. It is a year of taking a deep breath and jumping right in.

8. What is your favourite “O” word?
Dare I not say Obsidian? LOL! But if I had to choose another magical word,
I think it would be OPPORTUNITY. I try to see opportunity wherever possible, even through OBSTACLES.

Drafted

1) Who: Joseph Jomo Pierre Occupation: Artist

2) What is your Obsidian connection? Philip is like my Mafia Boss\ Mentor\

3) Where have you been? Been on some highs tryna dodge the lows

4) When will we see you next? Looking forward to progressing on two future works so hopefully the wait won't be long.

5) Why art? It drafted me

6) How’s the city treating you? How ya'll treating me?

7) Complete the sentence: In 2009… ya'll react I’ll do the acting

8) What is your favourite “O” word? don't have one.

9) The best? Seed to young men.

10) The worst? stagnation

Fed Up With Fear

1. Who: Mumbi Tindyebwa Occupation: Theatre Directing

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Apprentice Director 2008-09

3. Where have you been?
Apprentice Director Late/Black Medea (Obsidian) Assistant Director, Its A Wonderful Life (Canstage), Assistant Director, Stephen and Mr Wilde (Hart House Theatre), Assistant Director, Loves Labors Lost (York University), Director, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf (Hart House Theatre)

4. When will we see you next?
Directing '27 weeks' for the New Ideas Festival at Alumnae Theatre, March 11-14

5. Why art?
I tried running away from it for all the practical reasons, but i got fed up of fear and embraced that my passion in art made me who i am. Now i can't imagine ever doing anything else.

6. How’s the city treating you?
I love Toronto

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…”
2009 will be a year of living the life of my dreams

8. What is your favourite “O” word?
Oh dear... Oh boy..

9. The best?
The best chicken roti i've ever had is at the Real Jerk on Queen and Broadview

10. The worst?
The worst food i have ever tasted was some expensive seafood at the Love Boat restaurant in Niagara. Never ever go there!

Up the Hustle

1. Who: Aisha Sasha John Occupation: Poet, Dancer, Playwright

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
2008/2009 Playwrights Unit

3. Where have you been?
Wouldn’t you like to know! Um..mostly I go to my kitchen and brew very strong fruity black teas. After that I go to the living room and make out with my laptop or work on my stomach isolations. I like the library and the dance floor.

Don’t judge me:
I don’t have to leave the house because I’m working on my thesis, a thrilling book of poems called Self-Portrait with. I’m doing my MFA in Creative Writing at Guelph.

4. When will we see you next?
The Mussorgsky Project at the CrossCurrents Festival May 3. Fine actors will read my play and we’ll laugh. All of us will chitter and sigh. Be excited.

But if that’s too long of a wait you can see me whenever you please at my blog: http://ai5ha.blogspot.com.

5. Why art?
I’m greedy: I want to own all my minutes.

6. How’s the city treating you?
Funny that you ask—Toronto and I have recently renewed our vows. She’s shown me new parts of herself and I’m loving her more and more.

7. Complete the sentence:
“In 2009 I will…” up the hustle.

8. What is your favourite “O” word? Oh!

9. The best?
My poetry manuscript: Self-portrait with. A deep hip stretch. Soukous. Mutuashi.
Bachata. Good clown. 12-point Tahoma. Year-long jokes. Candour.

10. The worst?
Inauthenticity. Laziness.

Riding the Rocket

1. Who: Rebecca Fisseha Occupation: Writer.

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Playwright's Unit 2006-2007.

3. Where have you been? City-hopping.

4. When will we see you next? Riding the Rocket.

5. Why art? I got cornered.

6. How's the city treating you? Friendlier by the day.

7. Complete the sentence: "In 2009 I will…" Change my scenery.

8. What is your favourite "O" word? Oprah.

9. The best? Food & Sleep

10. The worst? Hunger

wise.woman by Rebecca Fisseha opens tomorrow night at the Theatre centre until Mar. 8

Power and Potential

1. Who: Kevin Hanchard Occupation: Actor/Husband/Father

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Performed in Obsidian's Consecrated Ground in 2004 and Intimate Apparel in 2008

3. Where have you been?
Since last we met; The Stratford Shakespeare Festival productions of Fuente Ovejuna and Palmer Park, The Great Canadian Theatre Company's Coma Unplugged, and The Vancouver Playhouse/CanStage Co-production of Miss Julie: Freedom Summer

4. When will we see you next?
Miss Julie: Freedom Summer currently runs until March 7. After that it's back to Stratford for Macbeth, Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

5. Why art?
Art is a way in. A way into the consciousness of every man, woman and child. Its power and potential are undeniable.

6. How's the city treating you?
As a suburbanite Toronto and I have an interesting relationship. We are like the ultimate long distance lovers. When we come together it's explosive and thrilling, but at the same time we need the absence to make the heart grow fonder. Toronto and I are cool like that.

7. Complete the sentence: "In 2009 I will...."
In 2009 I will be taking care of business, in 2010 I fly!

8. What is your favourite "O" word ?
Onomatopoeia. (Just thought I'd POP a little SIZZLE in there.)

9. The best?
Good Jamaican Stew Peas and Rice

10. The worst?
Good Jamaican Cerasse Tea. Good for you, but the worst!(Y’all know what I'm sayin')

Universal Language

1. Who: Camille Lesley-Ann Walker Occupation: Actress, Poet, Playwright, Vocalist...(to narrow things down, I'm an "artiste").

2. What is your Obsidian connection? I am currently in the dramaturge apprenticeship program.

3. Where have you been? I am a recent graduate from Humber College for Acting and Performance, my most recent production was "Ina Di Wardrobe", written by Deidre Walton and directed by Rhoma Spencer.

4. When will we see you next? I am currently a part of The Mixed Company Theatre's ensemble for it's upcoming project based on a rendition of Three Penny Opera. Productions begins mid February.

5. Why art? Art is a universal language, it's like miracles; and miracles happens everyday...from the very moment we lay our head to rest and to the minute we wake up to begin a new day. Art speaks to the senses in more ways than one and it is through art that the heart, mind and soul experience a true therapeutic healing. I chose art because it is my destined quest to be a voice to the voiceless and provide healing for the troubled at heart and mind.

6. How’s the city treating you? The city is my canvas, my research mechanism...it speaks to me and through the many voices and sights, experiences and encounters I am forced to the next level of accomplishing my destiny. It is through the city that I am able to relinquish the fear of not making it in this tedious and competitive world and gain the strength to pursue even more what is dearest to my heart.

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be one of many rewards and accomplishment. I intend to live from the inside out and let my light shine in the lives of many. “In 2009 I will push even more than ever to accomplish my dream, my greatest challenge
is networking.”

8. What is your favourite “O” word? "OH"! sorry I have none.

9. The best? "The 'best' is just a step higher than what's better; and that's where I am going."

10. The worst? "The 'worst', well what we consider to be 'worst' are really what we can view as the portals to our greatest lessons...this is what provides us with the revelation as to how to manoeuvre our life’s task!"

Despite All the Doom and Gloom

1. Who: Leah-Simone Bowen Occupation: Various Theatrical Positions and Office temp

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
A member of the 2007/2008 Playwrights' Unit and long-time fan.

3. Where have you been?
Is this an existential question?

4. When will we see you next?
I will be playing Lt. Nyota Uhura in an improvised Star Trek spoof at the Bad Dog Theatre in March.

5. Why art?
It's the only thing I do moderately well. It was a choice between that or TV watching

6. How's the city treating you?
I moved to Toronto from a small prarie town with loads of fresh air. For the first two years I lived in Toronto, I was so ill I had to take three months off work and caught every airborne illness including pnemonia. Even then, with death on the horizion, I still thought it was a great city to live in.

7. Complete the sentence: "2009 will be…"
2009 will be extraordinary, despite all the doom and gloom.


8. What is your favourite "O" word?
My "hey look at me I know big words that start with O answer " would be Obscurantist, a person who is deliberately vague. Unfortunately, that is a lie, the real answer is Oprah. I love her and patiently wait for Gail King to mess up so I can take over as best friend and executive - in - chief of O magazine.

9. The best?
To be a woman living in Canada with so much choice and freedom.

10. The worst?
Cold Showers, Strong Perfume, Arrogance, Cynics and the fact that Barack Obama, inspirer of many, will meet Stephen Harper, inspirer of none.

From the Paper Trail

1. Who: Dian Marie Bridge Occupation: Playwright, Director,
Administrator.

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Staff (2003), Apprentice MAP Director (The Piano Lesson), Playwrights Unit (2006)
and Intern Artistic Director (2009)

3. Where have you been?
I followed the paper trail and just got back.

4. When will we see you next?
At a workshop reading of my play Agave, later this month and being on the lookout
for playwright, as Intern Artistic Director at OTC.

5. Why art?
Art is the truest documentation of history. How else to tell of who we are, what was
learned, where we have been and the places we dream to create?

6. How's the city treating you?
We are friendly acquaintances.

7. Complete the sentence:
“In 2009 I will do my Taxes.

8. What is your favourite “O” word?
Ocelots

9. The best?
looking forward to the new year.

10.The worst?
negativity and fear

Sunday Quickies

Ah those halcyon days when study was all that was important.

Acting Students Studying Abroad


I hated the fact that we had to produce so early in this season but maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

T.O. Theatres and the Economy

I'm thinking that someone might want to start paying attention to the fact that the Black Theatre in town does not produce in February and most certainly would not produce an American play hooked into US/slavery issues in that month. Maybe we actually know something here.

Art is Life

1. Who: Tony Thompson Occupation: Actor/Teacher/Radio Announcer

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Polished Hoe connection role of Sargeant Percy Stewart

3. Where have you been? I am back in barbados

4. When will we see you next? I wish I could work with you from today

5. Why art? art is life and i enjoy living

6. How’s the city treating you? Toronto is my second home and no place has ever treated me kinder

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…”another mini miracle in the macro-miracle called life

8. What is your favourite “O” word? OBVIOUSLY
'obsidian'

the god-side of us

1. Who: MOTION Occupation: Poet/Writer/Spoken Wordist/Emcee

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Member of the Playwrights Unit (yeah!)

3. Where have you been? All over the city, and then by my computer, writing, writing, writing - ready to emerge back into the streets.

4. When will we see you next? March 1st @ the Trane Studio, 40 Dayz, The Launch Party, launching my new book of poemz - live performance, live band,
live DJ, live crowd

5. Why art? Art is the god-side of us all, The CREATOR

6. How’s the city treating you? T.O. is home, gotta roam, but still have the rumble of the street cars within me.

7. Complete the sentence: “In 2009 I will…” take my step into a new phase - ready for the next adventure!

8. What is your favourite “O” word? Orgasm, open, organic

9. The best? Wings, warm weather, feeling free

10. The worst? Preconceptions, bars and barbed wire (pass me a wire cutter) and bone chilling weather...I'm ready for spring!

Adventure is Life

1. Who: Name: Rita Shelton Deverell Occupation: TV producer/director, university professor, journalist, actress/playwright.

2. What is your Obsidian connection? On a galaxy long ago and far away I was on one of the early Boards of Directors. In 2007-08 a very proud member of the Obsidian Playwrights Unit.

3. Where have you been? Studio Lab Theatre, Globe Theatre, CBC, Vision TV,APTN, Saskatchewan Arts Board, OMNI, SCN, Bravo!; Winnipeg, Edmonton,Ottawa, and Saskatoon Fringe Festivals; SummerWorks reading "The First Stone," Obsidian Playwrights Unit, Storyteller-in-Residence, Centennial College, Centre for Creative Communications.

4. When will we see you next? OMNI TV, producer/director/writer of "Not a Drop", 1-hour docu-drama, March 21, 2009, the International Day for the Elimination of Racism, check local listings in primetime.

5. Why art? Art that makes a difference, in a number of different genres,is what I have been compelled to do for 55 years.

6. How's the city treating you? Check out my guest editorials in the Toronto SUN.

7. Complete the sentence: "In 2009 I will." In 2009 I will be living/working in a new part of the world for me, the Atlantic at Mount Saint Vincent University. Adventure is life.

8. What is your favourite "O" word? Obsidian.

From the Beginning

1. Who: Michael Sinclair Occupation: Stage Manager

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
I have been the Stage Manager with Obsidian from their 1st show and they still keep bringing me back

3. Where have you been?
I am currently working on the Sound of Music at the Princess of Wales Theatre

4. When will we see you next?
Hopefully next season.

5. Why art?
What better way for people to express themselves, and art has a way to bring different people and cultures together.

6. How’s the city treating you?The city has been GREAT.

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…”A year where we might have to tighten our belts but we will come through it.

8. What is your favourite ”O” word?
Oppurtunity.

Oodles

1. Who: Marcia Johnson Occupation: Actor/Playwright

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Playwright

3. Where have you been? Writing (and making turkey broth)

4. When will we see you next? Probably at a theatre

5. Why art? It moves me.

6. How's the city treating you? Really well. (I love the snow)

7. Complete the sentence: "In 2009…” I will achieve more
milestones.

8. What is your favourite "O" word? Oodles.

9. The best? An audience who gets it.

10.The worst? A critic who doesn't.

By Any Means Necessary

1. Who: Mazin Elsadig Occupation: Actor

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Played Locksley in this seasons production of Marcia Johnson's "Late"

3.Where have you been? celebrating weddings in villages of Sudan &... on the grind.

4.When will we see you next? In a couple of episodes in TMN's upcoming show "The
Line".

5. Why art? I can only explain it in moments.

6. How’s the city treating you? It's confusing me with the weather.

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…”: 2009 will be the year my production company (By Any Means Necessary Productions) will finish three in-development projects.(www.bamnproductions.com...shameless plug)

8. What is your favourite “O” word? opaqueness or opportunity...or even orgasm

9. The best? watching a good movie in a theatre by myself.

10. The worst? Doing nothing.

Chutney & Various

Ok so it feels like we are using one attractive artist after another to raise this blogs profile. Ok it wasn't my idea but it sure is nice to know that I don't need to actually worry about content and just profile beautiful artists to give the hit counter a heart attack.

Well, while Harmony keeps posting I will try and keep some other content going as well.

Who needs onstage nudity?
Now isn't that a provocative image. Well I don't know about you but thus far onstage nudity has never advanced the story for me. In fact as soon as someone bares it everything stops while the audience puzzles it out, memorizes and then mentally comments on the attributes displayed. I remember seeing a production of Angels in America and in spite of the fine performances the only thing that really sticks is how one actors right testes hung so much lower than his left. I'm not sure that was the image the playwright wanted to leave.
It's hard though. How to convey sex, sensuality and eroticism within the context of the play and not take the audience out of it. During the Intimate Apparel rehearsals I remember saying that there was nothing more boring than watching other people have sex. And yet you have to convey that excitement or the moment fails.
Sex and theatre. They should be a horse and carriage and yet they aren't.

Stereotypes and Magic Negroes. Ok so maybe this will always be more of an American phenomenon than a Canadian one but like the definition of Black Theatre it just keeps on going around. Anyway.....some more grist for the mill.

And finally hands up if you are as bored with micro niche definitions of who we are. What the heck is up with Afri/Afro/-Canadian? I am in the midst of purging all that pc speak from our Mission and Mandate. I mean come on. All that back to Africa stuff makes me just a little crazy. I mean what is it that makes people think that melanin is the tie that binds. As if culture and life and experience doesn't matter.
It is just a bit of ultra violet protection folks. Not a way of life.

And with that I am out for the night leaving you with more pics and articles to come of the people that I have been privileged to work with over the last few years.

To Be Fearless

1. Who: Phedra L'Abbe Occupation: Actor/Singer

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Apprentice Producer

3. Where have you been? What a nebulous question! I was in Waterloo, then Oakville, now Toronto. Life has taken me to Europe. Work has taken me to the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

4. When will we see you next? I will be in the Obsidian office on occasion for a little while longer. I will also be singing in La Traviata for Opera Kitchener and Brampton Lyric Opera.

5. Why art? Growing up with art all around me I think the question became 'Why not art?' The only reason to not pursue art, for me, was fear, and I didn't want to let fear rule my life. I want to communicate, inspire, touch, express. I just love it.

6. How’s the city treating you? I have been intimidated without realizing it but our relationship is warming up.

7. Complete the sentence: “In 2009 I will…" work to be fearless in all of life's endeavours.”

8. What is your favourite “O” word? The big O comes to mind, but origami is cool too. I love those paper cranes.

9. The best? having a direction

10. The worst? being lost or stuck

At the Heart of It All

1. Who: Raven Dauda Occupation: Actor/Writer/Designer (I could go on... but you get the idea)

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
I played Esther in their production of Intimate Apparel

3. Where have you been?
Y'all sound like my mamma...
I've been right here performing in shows such as;
Da Kink In My Hair
Wild Dogs
and the upcoming CTV series The Bridge

4. When will we see you (next)?
You can see me right now in Miss Julie: Freedom Summer, which is playing at The St.
Lawrence Centre Bluma Appel Theatre

5. Why art?
Why not art? How not art? Living in this world is just not possible without it, and it becomes clearer and clearer to me each day that not only am I an artistic being, but if I don't express myself in a creative manner daily my head would pop off...and that's just no good.

6. How's the city treating you?
This big 'ol city has treated me just divinely. I've received so much love from everyone over the years that I can only say "thanks" and "You guys rock!" and "I couldn't do what I do without learning from y'all and being so greatly inspired by what you do." Of course life in the city can be cold at times. Many times the answer is "no", but even then, at the heart of it all, the support from this crazy artistic community that I am so proud to be apart of was always there.

7. Complete the sentence: “In 2009 I will…”In 2009 "Yes We Can" (and do) make a difference!

8. What is your favourite “O” word?
Orgasmic

9. The best?
Omnipotent

10.The worst?
Obnoxious

Delicious in the City

1. Who: Audrey Dwyer Occupation: Actor

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Performed in Black Medea in 2008

3. Where have you been? In Winnipeg, performing in Mirvish/Manitoba Theatre Centre production of Medea

4. When will we see you next? Second City Touring Company, directing staged readings of Lisa Codrington's new work and Michael Miller's new work

5. Why art? Because it excites and inspires

6. How's the city treating you? Deliciously.

7. What is your favourite “O” word? "Ohm". It soothes and places me back to reality.

8. The best? Olivia - a name meaning beauty and dignity, this name always makes me smile.

9.The worst? Orangeade - a beverage with too much sugar and no nutrients. Reminds me of thirst, drinking out of a cup that left wax in your mouth. Fast food sucks.

The Sedina Show

1. Who: Sedina Fiati Occupation: Actor / Singer / Producer / Creator / Arts Administrator / Goddess / Good Friend

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Was the production apprentice for 2007/ 2008 season. Yeah!

3. Where have you been? Mostly Canada - spent a few months in Quebec(Montreal, Trois Rivieres and Trois Pistoles (oui, je parle francais). Vancouver (lovely), Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Banff (beautiful!), recently New York City, Orlando & Titusville (exremely boring small town in Florida), Windsor (four years, where I went to university!). Trinidad when I was 8...


4. When will we see you next? In b current's production of Wise Woman in the chorus and in my cabaret, The Sedina Show.


5. Why art? Because I love it and apparently don't care about making a lot of money. Art makes us better people or so I tell myself as I use toonies to pay for my groceries...


6. How's the city treating you? Love Toronto, but the commute from Rexdale is getting me down. Need to move where a bunch of artistes live in the west end...anyone have a lead on an affordable apartment in the Ossington & Bloor, Dufferin & College area. If so, bye mom!

7. Complete the sentence: "In 2009 I will…": Oh god, I hate resolutions, but if I must...In 2009, I will walk more, eat less wheat and flirt more.

8. What is your favourite "O" word? oooo, Orgasm for sure.

9. The best? rice, beans, vegetables and cookies, hanging with friends with no time limit, turning off the alarm in the morning and getting up when you feel like, dancing like everyone is watching and dancing more because they are watching, doing what you actually want to do with your life despite the odds, being genuinely happy, good wine, the $25 mani/pedi at Lucy Nails, shopping deals, coupons and getting things by charming your way into them, a great musical

10.The worst? apathy, people not caring about art in this city and not bothering to support independent theatre, living your life to fit other people's ideals, people giving up on being artists without really trying and then blaming the "cold industry", mushy fruit in baked goods and well cooked fruit in anything, the fact that the government doesn't actually represent the people, but corporate interests, our society's unrealistic beauty standards, oppression, debt, consumerism, buying stuff you don't need, valentine's day.

Can't Complain

1.Who: Edwige Jean-Pierre Occupation: Actor/Playwright
2. What is your Obsidian connection? Played the role of Carol in Obsidian Theatre's production of Late by Marcia Johnson (Fall 2008) and Past member of Obsidian Theatre's Playwright Unit (2006-2007)

3. Where have you been? Spent the holidays in Ottawa

4. When will we see you next? Rhubarb Festival in Michael Rubenfeld's play called: An Exercise in Futility (Feb 18 - 22nd 2009) at Buddies in Bad Times. Theatre Arcipelago's production of Saint Bitch (World Premiere) Preview April 24-May 10 2009 at the Papermill Theatre

5. Why art? Why not?

6. How's the city treating you? Good, can't complain

7. Complete the sentence: “In 2009 I will…”
In 2009, I will stop and smell the roses

8. What is your favourite “O” word? Outrageous

9. The best? BBQ Ribs

10.The worst? Liver - Soooo grrrrooosssssss!!!

Why breathe?

1. Who? Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. Occupation: General Manager, emcee, playwright, upstart.

2. What is your Obsidian connection?
Participant in playwriting unit in 2006/2007. Playwright-In-Residence in 2008/2009. Longtime listener, first time caller. Fan.

3. Where have you been?
I have been ... within, consumed with looking forward, onwards, upwards.

4. When will we see you next?
As soon as you drop by Native Earth's office in the Distillery to find out what all the noise is about.

5. Why art?
Why breathe? Why spit? Why cry? It's how I was made; with the desire to show others what it all looks like from the side where I stand, and to shake the place where you stand just a little.

6. How's the city treating you?
Toronto and I are going Dutch, that way no one is expected to put out. I find if you let a city treat you, you can soon become a kept woman.

7. Complete the sentence: "2009 will be..."
2009 will be transformative.

8. What is your favourite "O" word?
Obeah

9. The best?
The best is ... / being tested / by the energy you manifested; / power wrested / from the divine you have invested. / There's nothing better than to spit unrestricted, / negative evicted / afflicted with wickedness of the mouth. / Blessed by the breath you breathe out. / Not your own, / birthed by a spirit unknown. / It's silk purse made from my humble ear / a minute made from a year / this thing that I do here.

10.The worst?
Genocide. Coca Cola. Apathy. Sonic Youth. Just garbage, all of it.

Sunday Quickies

Dawn Walton posts about defining Black Theatre.

It's time to stop worrying about restrictive definitions. Black theatre, in all its forms, can challenge and excite any audience

I think that this discussion is like the Ouroboros. Destined to keep on keeping on.

On Going History

Over the past nine years, here at Obsidian, we have been privileged to work with many talented actors, directors, playwrights and designers. In the spirit of Black History month, we are dedicating February to the acknowledgment of some of the people who have become a part of Obsidian's history.

We'll be featuring a different black theatre artist everyday this month. Join us in supporting these amazing local artists and check out their responses to our Obsidian Questionnaire.


1. Who: Cara Ricketts Occupation: Actor

2. What is your Obsidian connection? Philip Akin's love child

3. Where have you been? in the past. Obsidian/3D atomic's Born Ready, A Raisin in the Sun Soulpepper, A Midsummer Night's Dream Canstage.

4. When will we see you next? in the future. this month Wise Woman for bcurrent, then Julius Caesar at Stratford.

5. Why art? why not? Art is dangerous. I like dangerous things. Art cannot be measured. Art is not always good, not always bad and judged differently; not by day instead the same day but different viewers. Art grows and I'm just trying to be a catalyst.

6. How's the city treating you? The city and I are doing fine. We've been in a solid relationship for some time now and I don't wanna break up with him but we need some time apart. I know I'll miss him but it won't be long.

7. Complete the sentence: “2009 will be…” big. I don't know how big but a good size.

8. What is your favourite “O” word? ...Oblectation. (or 'Orgasm' oh! and 'ooh'...)

9. The best? that silence... when we're all sharing that same moment.

10.The worst? that other silence.. when I can't think of another topic to bring up in everyday conversation... that happens too often.